If you work in an open office, you know it can be great at times. You can ask questions on the fly and feel connected to those around you. But it can also be tricky when you’re trying to concentrate. Between the phone conversations and people popping by, you might struggle to focus on your tasks.
Deana Ritchie, the editor-in-chief at Calendar.com, says there’s a paradox around open offices. They maximize collaboration but make deep work feel practically impossible. What can you do if you work in an open office? We highlight some of Ritchie’s tips in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
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Use noise-canceling headphones. This sends a visual signal that you’re working. When you bring on a new team member, let them know your system. Ritchie says the magic is that they don’t even try to interrupt because the signal is visual and universal. She adds that it’s also more effective than simply asking people to respect quiet hours. The visual is everything.
Own a specific workspace. It doesn’t have to be your desk, Ritchie says. Maybe you like to work at a corner table in the breakroom or at an outdoor picnic table. When you create this pseudo-private space, you send a signal that you’re working. Plus, you’re letting your brain know that it’s focus time. You’ve created an environmental anchor, she says.
Set “do not disturb” hours on your calendar and Slack. For example, if you choose 9 AM to noon, your status should say “deep work.” Be consistent with it. Your team will learn and so will your brain. Ritchie adds that you’ve also created an artificial scarcity of your attention, which makes it even more valuable.
Don’t take breaks at your desk. If a co-worker sees you at your desk, they may want to stop and chat — even if you’re in the middle of deep work. A solution, Ritchie says, is to take breaks away from your desk. Walk around your office building or sit outside for a few minutes. This also helps reset your brain. When you’re at your desk, you’re working. But when you’re taking a short walk outside, you’re taking a break.
Route questions though Slack rather than desk drive-bys. If someone needs to ask you something, tell them you’ll respond by the end of the day after they post it in Slack. She says it’s important to be consistent. People will learn that Slack becomes the interrupt channel rather than walking up and asking.
Use a stand-up desk or move your set-up regularly. According to Ritchie, people will begin to see you differently if you change your physical set-up or stand instead of sit. They’ll see you’re not settling in for a conversation but you’re in motion. For example, maybe you stand during focus hours or set out a do-not-disturb sign when you’re in deep work.
Negotiate flex hours. If possible, see if you can adjust your hours or work remotely some of the time. Ritchie says 2 hours of home-based deep work beats 6 hours of open office work because you’re truly uninterrupted. This is about pragmatism. She says people are more productive working 3 uninterrupted hours remotely than 8 interrupted hours in the office.
You don’t need a private office to do your best work. Try some of the ideas above, like using noise-canceling headphones or taking breaks outside the office to protect your focus. This way, you can benefit from the energy around you while still getting the uninterrupted time you need.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Deana Ritchie is the editor-in-chief at Calendar.com.
